Unclaimed Property by Al Johnson

Unclaimed Property, Mixed Media. 36 x 36 x 1.5 inches 

Unclaimed Property is a mixed media on canvas painting with random type collage thats embellished with snippets of missing persons listings overlaid with splashed and white paint dripping. The painting is a dedicated to the artists of musicians and artists in the realm of expressions and as to the contributions to society regarding their intellectual property … their Art both in the collective and to the unknown. Unclaimed Property holds a certain value to many that know of its history from being featured at the RUSH Arts Philly Gallery and one of the first items seen when entering Al Johnson Art Studio as RUSH Arts Arts Director and resident artist.

Al Johnson, illustrator, fine artist, educator, and mentor has developed an artistic style that captures the classical, weaves it with the contemporary to create bodies of work that exemplifies his individual style. Spiritually connected to his work, his mix of color and shapes through abstract expressionism allows the viewer to interpret what they see and feel. His passion is to inspire.

While formally trained in the techniques of the great masters, Mr. Johnson honed these skills, while attending famed institutions such as Pratt Institute, the Albert Pale School of Commercial Arts and the Arts Student League, constantly challenging the creative force within. Mr. Johnson most recently exhibited at the Maison des Arts Gallery located LeBacares, France where his “New Yorkers” exhibition was widely received by the residents of the south of France. The 40+ paintings in this show will also be on tour in five major cities in France. His work has also been shown at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum in Japan, the Guangzhou International Art Fair in China, countless galleries in New York and other major cities within the United States. His scope of worked has crossed many boundaries including the creation of the original renderings of the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world. Chosen out of a nationwide search, Mr. Johnson’s 5 by 7-foot oil on canvas commissioned portrait of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm hangs in Brooklyn Borough Hall. The Energy Tile Series commissioned by the YMCA for permanent installation created by Mr. Johnson remains to inspire reflecting the spirit of the movement. And, he has been listed as one of the top 100 in celebration of the Romare Bearden Centennial Celebration. Continually participating in events focused on the uplifting of a Nation, Mr. Johnson’s original painting “The Arrivals” was presented at the LGBT Leadership Council of the Democratic National Conference to First Lady Mrs. Obama.